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A released last year by Gallup and Workhuman shows that employees who receive high-quality recognition – praise that is fulfilling, authentic, personalized, equitable and embedded in an organization’s culture – report feeling happier, more energized, more engaged and less stressed than employees who don’t.

The idea for the digital fist bumps took root in the spring of 2020 as the pandemic forced some department staff members to work remotely. As a way to highlight the work of department team members, while also building a sense of camaraderie, Duke Anesthesiology Director of Communications Stacey Hilton proposed the idea of providing Duke Anesthesiology faculty and staff a platform where they could praise helpful colleagues.

“We wanted to create something that could still keep us connected, keep morale high and continue to lift each other up,” Hilton said. “We wanted to find a way to acknowledge each other’s hard work, their dedication and provide some emotional support.”

As part of a portfolio of items under the supervision of then Vice Chair for Faculty Affairs Dr. Madhav Swaminathan, Hilton collaborated with Communications Specialist Chris Keith to develop a , a and graphics for the effort. They chose the name “Fist Bump” as a nod to the COVID-era replacement for handshakes.

The first batch of 10 fist bumps went online on April 27, 2020. Among the team members recognized were Anesthesia Technician for ensuring equipment in pediatrics treatment rooms was thoroughly disinfected, Instructional Media Designer for setting up a way to conduct virtual interviews with potential fellows and then-resident who, during a night shift at the Durham VA Hospital, got a strawberry milkshake for a patient who had requested one.

“The veteran was incredibly grateful and had a big smile,” then-intern Dr. Nathaniel Erskine wrote in his submission.

In the years since, a total of 112 fist bumps have been given.

Last year, Anesthesia Technicians Justin Shore and Christian Keville for quickly getting important equipment in place for an emergency surgical procedure. Meanwhile, Nurse Anesthetist Jennifer Easterling for delivering compassionate care for a patient in need.

“It really helps our staff to know they’re appreciated,” said Duke Anesthesiology Administrative Coordinator Melinda Macalino, who has worked in the department for 21 years and got for the support she gave to staff assistants during the upheaval of the pandemic. “It makes people feel like they belong and that people have their back. That’s very important.”

Dr. Chakib Ayoub for supervising a late-night epidural for a patient in respiratory distress, which made a major difference in the patient’s hospital experience. Ayoub, who has worked in the department since 2017, said the fist bumps, and other department traditions – such as the annual Jeopardy-themed edition of Grand Rounds or regular gatherings outside of work – speak to the department’s uniquely collaborative and encouraging spirit.

“People here have a positive attitude,” Ayoub said. “They share their expertise, they cover for each other. This is unique. You don’t find this in every department.”

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